2026-06-17 11:27:42
Lionel Messi was reduced to tears after scoring the opening goal in Argentina’s World Cup win over Algeria due to a matter “completely unrelated to football”.
The sporting icon hit a superb hat-trick as the defending champions started their campaign with a 3-0 victory over the African side in Kansas City on Tuesday (16.06.26) and revealed why he was seen wiping away tears after scoring his first of the game.
Messi – who equalled former Germany striker Miroslav Klose’s record tally of 16 World Cup goals – said: “Why did I cry? It was something completely unrelated to football.
“I went through some difficult days, but I’m grateful to the entire delegation and my team-mates because they were always by my side, giving me a lot of strength to help me get through it.”
Messi’s sublime performance came as he made his 200th appearance for Argentina and he expressed the joy he gets from representing his country.
The Inter Miami ace said: “It makes me very happy to have lived through everything that came my way.
“What I’m living through now is the cherry on top. I’m very happy and grateful for this wonderful group, I enjoy it so much.”
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was left “at a loss for words” after witnessing Messi’s latest masterclass.
The coach said: “At a loss for words about Leo. What can I say? He’s incredible.
“It’s not about imagining (if he could have a start like this). He’s been doing this for 20 years. People who watch football want to see him, it’s not just Argentines. Beyond the result, we have to enjoy him. What he transmits to the world is incredible.”
The result was the ideal start to Argentina’s World Cup defence but Scaloni insists his team still have plenty of work to do.
He said: “We’re not going to get complacent; it strengthens us to know that if we do things right and work like we did today, we’ll make it tough for them to beat us.”
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